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#A Hellion at the Highland Court
jolieeason · 4 months
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January 2024 Wrap Up
Here is what I read/posted/won/received/bought in January. As always, let me know if you have read any of these books and (if you did) what you thought of them. Books I Read: Books Reviewed: The Doom of Odin by Scott Oden—review here The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel—review here On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe—review here Second Duke’s the Charm by Kate Bateman—review here Public…
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Historical Romances by Black Authors
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Aphrodite wishes to escape the marriage mart but will a second chance with the elusive Duke of Everely change her mind? Aphrodite Du Bell is a diamond of the first water and a favourite of the queen. But her renowned loveliness didn't stop the love of her life, Evander Eagleman, from jilting her and marrying another woman four years ago. Aphrodite has been in self-imposed exile ever since. However, when her formidable mother summons her back to London Aphrodite has no choice but to acquiesce. Upon her return, Aphrodite learns that the newly widowed Evander is in town and, despite her best efforts, the grand society events of the season repeatedly push them together. With each encounter, Aphrodite's traitorous feelings make it perfectly clear that the Duke still holds court over her heart. Why did Evander cast Aphrodite aside all those years ago, and now that they have a second chance, can the couple make strides to mend past hurts?
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Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil…who has plans of his own. Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough…if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn. As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover.
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The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’s compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War . . . Valinda Lacy’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq. As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda’s determination. And he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
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A fun and feminist Regency romp from a master of the genre hailed as "a delight" by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn. Nothing happens in London without Graham Wynchester knowing. His massive collection of intelligence is invaluable to his family’s mission of aiding those most in need. So when he deciphers a series of coded messages in the scandal sheets, Graham’s convinced he must come to a royal’s rescue. But his quarry turns out not to be a princess at all… The captivating Kunigunde de Heusch is anything but a damsel in distress, and the last thing she wants is Graham’s help. All her life, Kuni trained alongside the fiercest Royal Guardsmen in her family, secretly planning to become her country’s first Royal Guardswoman. This mission in London is a chance to prove herself worthy without help from a man, not even one as devilishly handsome as Graham. To her surprise, Graham believes in her dream as much as she does, which makes it harder to resist kissing him…and falling in love. But how can she risk her heart if her future lies an ocean away? 
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Jane Austen meets The Princess and the Frog For as long as Prairie can remember, living in paradise has been boring. Her days are filled with helping at her family's resort, sewing, daydreaming, and observing fashionable guests from the sidelines. But when a fairytale-Esque opportunity arises, she does something out of character and agrees to marry a man she's never met. Suddenly, she's navigating a new life that is a world and an ocean away from everything she's ever known. Her new husband, Wright, is decidedly Mr. Wrong. If there's a schedule, he'll ignore it. If there is a rule, he'll break it. If there's a risk, he'll take it. Has the girl who has always had a plan finally met her match? If you're a fan of TV shows like 'Vanity Fair', 'Bridgerton' and 'The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' or enjoy reading comedies of manners, you'll love 'That, My Dear, Is Love.' This is a full-length, standalone novel featuring a diverse ensemble cast, whimsical magic, and hilarious misadventures. This is a clean romance with a HEA. Featuring some of your favorite tropes: Marriage of Convenience Opposites Attract Reformed Rake
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The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked. The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now it's 1910, and the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to. There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married . . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love—unless it’s with her sister’s suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business—and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen’s brother, John. But Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can’t seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers. Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.
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bigeyedweirdo0 · 11 months
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Lotus Dancer Lore:
The Overall Structure & Reputation of the Lotus Dancers
Overall Structure:
The Lotus Dancers are a large scattered tribe of skilled artisans, performers, and warriors. Made up of three main branches: Liánhuā (Azim Steppe), Kamal (Thavnair), and Nelumbo (Ala Mhigo). Luces' family is of the Liánhuā branch, originating from the Steppe but having spread out to Yanxia. This branch is considered the main branch and holds the most influence. The tribe as a whole is matriarchal, and female elders often make the decisions. Typically, grandmothers are heads of households followed by mothers, eldest granddaughters, and so on. Men are typically last in line. However, due to Luces being the only son in his family, he is basically like a prince.
It also is not uncommon for people in the tribe to have more than one partner, typically partners give each other courting jewelry. The tribe itself is made up of refugees, adopted into the tribe as they fled from Othard to Eorzea. Leading to a very diverse population and a mix of cultures within the tribe itself. Most of the tribe is from the Steppe and Yanxia, then followed by a good amount from Bozja, and the rest from other stops along their journey.
In order of most to least populous the tribe is mainly: Keeper of the Moon Miqo, Duskwight Elezen, Rava Viera, The Lost (Hrothgar), Hellion (Hrothgar), Xaela Au’ra, Dunesfolk (Lalafell), Hellsguard (Roe), and Highlander Hyur.
Reputation:
Highly skilled in arcane and martial arts, the Lotus Dancers have a bit of a reputation:
The Garleans fear them due to the high number of high-ranking officials being taken out by Lotus Dancers trying to protect those they’ve sworn to protect.
Eorzea sees them as a myth, like whispers in the wind. They haven't heard or seen them in years, they're like phantoms. There's always rumblings and rumors that they still exist with reports of sightings deep in the shroud. (Think the Assassin Order from Assassin's Creed)
Ishgard has a branch that merged with the remainder of the Corvorsi branch. They are known, but they're constantly butting heads with the clergy and nobles of Ishgard. However, they do have people on the inside, helping them take out certain targets.
Thavnair openly acknowledges them, Ala Mhigo is highly aware of them, and the Steppe is more or less in shock that they didn’t die out.
Granny Yue's Reputation:
Long story short, Granny Yue is INFAMOUS. Her feats on the battlefield as well as striking fear into her enemies (especially a certain ascian who she called bad in bed), have ended up with the following responses when people learn she's still alive and kicking:
"THAT OLD BITCH IS STILL AROUND?!?"
or
"OH SHIT YOU'RE YUE'S KID!?!"
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